Just this morning, I was talking to my best friend about people who “peaked” in high school. We then drifted off to talking about what getting stuck in the past means, and we both came to the conclusion that when you’re always learning new things, there’s never a “peak.”
That’s because every chapter is exciting!
How exactly do you develop this kind of outlook? How do you become a lifelong learner who’s always on the hunt for new things to discover? In this article, I’ll talk about the habits of lifelong learners, those who find joy in constantly growing and evolving. Let’s get started!
They explore things that they are curious about!
Lifelong learners begin showing that love for learning at a very young age. They’re the ones who are curious about the world around them—those who take things apart to find out how they work, go on nature walks and prod everything with a stick, or do science experiments.
Simply put, they’ve got to find out the what’s, where’s, how’s, and why’s of things! Curiosity is the driving force behind their hunger for knowledge, and it keeps them engaged and motivated to learn new things, even when they grow up.
People who are always learning new things have a strong sense of curiosity and actively explore subjects that pique their interest. They follow their natural inquisitiveness and delve into various topics, regardless of whether they are directly related to their work or personal lives. They understand that curiosity is the driving force behind intellectual growth and discovery, and they embrace it wholeheartedly.
By exploring diverse subjects, they broaden their knowledge base and develop a more holistic understanding of the world. They seek out information, resources, and experiences that align with their curiosity, whether through reading books, attending lectures, taking online courses, or engaging in hands-on activities. This continuous exploration fuels their passion for learning and allows them to uncover new interests and perspectives along the way.
Ultimately, their commitment to following their curiosity enables them to embark on a lifelong journey of discovery and personal development.
These people never lose their sense of amazement at the world around them.
They read a lot!
One prominent habit of individuals who are always learning new things is their voracious reading habit. They recognize the immense power and value of books as gateways to knowledge, ideas, and experiences. These avid readers make it a priority to dedicate time to reading, whether it’s books, articles, or other informative materials.
They engage with a wide range of genres, including non-fiction, fiction, biographies, blogs, and even social media, allowing them to explore diverse perspectives and subject matters. Reading provides them with an opportunity to expand their horizons, gain insights from experts in various fields, and stay informed about current trends and developments.
It also stimulates their critical thinking skills, enhances their creativity, and fosters a deep sense of intellectual curiosity. By immersing themselves in the written word, these individuals continually feed their minds and open doors to new realms of knowledge and understanding.
Another thing I’ve noticed about lifelong learners is that they’re almost always avid readers. Again, that stems from their curiosity about the world. What helps them stay informed about the world, learn from others’ experiences, and develop new perspectives is reading. They make a habit of consuming content that feeds their mind and broadens their horizons.
And they don’t just read books because they have to. No, they WANT to; they read just for pleasure and personal growth across various genres and subjects. That’s why they have a well-rounded knowledge base and are very open-minded about other people’s perspectives.
They prioritize learning!
Okay, so here’s the deal about learning new things: you’ve got to be intentional about it. That’s what lifelong learners do. They make it a priority in their lives; they don’t leave it to happenstance. So what does prioritizing learning look like?
Basically, it’s time management, learning, and skills, just like you would with other important activities. Actively seek out opportunities to learn, like classes, workshops, books, podcasts, and so on. I’ll share a quick story about my elderly neighbor’s, who is truly one of the people who inspire me. He is in his 80s, but he has a mind so sprightly that it’s always refreshing to talk to him.
Whenever I would go visit him, he would share something new he had learned from whatever class he was taking. Off the top of my head, he’s taken classes in pottery, music, gardening, nature writing, and the list goes on and on!
They seek diverse experiences!
This relates to my earlier statement that the desire to seek fuels the desire for learning. Look, the world we live in is so vast and colorful. There’s always something to discover, no matter how much we think we already know. There are thousands of cultural experiences we don’t know about. But to learn about all of them, you’ll have to step out of your comfort zone.
And that’s a good thing. For me, the comfort zone is one of the most dangerous places to get stuck in, growth-wise. When you’re always circling around in that area, you’re limiting yourself to the familiar. Limiting your own growth So, be open to trying new things. I am scared of traveling solo. Then do that. I was scared of talking to someone with a different cultural background. Do exactly that!
“Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, do it.” It’s going to add so much depth and texture to your life! People who are always learning new things actively seek out diverse experiences as a way to expand their horizons and broaden their understanding of the world. They understand that learning goes beyond books and formal education, and they embrace the value of first-hand experiences.
They actively seek opportunities to step outside of their comfort zones, whether it’s traveling to new places, participating in different cultural activities, or engaging in new hobbies and pursuits. By immersing themselves in unfamiliar environments, they gain fresh perspectives, challenge their preconceptions, and develop a deeper appreciation for diversity.
These individuals actively seek out interactions with people from different backgrounds, engage in meaningful conversations, and actively listen to different viewpoints. By actively pursuing diverse experiences, they not only acquire new knowledge and skills but also foster empathy, cultural understanding, and a well-rounded worldview.
They surround themselves with other learners!
Remember my elderly neighbor’s I loved talking to? I’m circling back to lifelong learners, that because it drives home the point that love being with other learners. As a lifelong learner, I’ve always abided by the saying, “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
I love finding inspiration and motivation from other people who share a passion for personal growth. It’s always time spent wisely. Exchanging ideas, sharing resources, and learning from each other’s experiences…you can’t put a price on those things.
They set SMART goals
This is another habit of lifelong learners. Be clear about smart, in this case means:
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable
R – Relevant
T – Time-bound
Now, why do goals need to be this way?
Because when they are too big and vague, it can be overwhelming to even get started.Goals must be easy to reach. So break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. That way, you can stay motivated and keep pushing on, and you have a greater chance of meeting them.
They learn from their mistakes!
Just because you’ve gotten goal setting down to an art doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing. Of course not. You’ll definitely be making mistakes. But mistakes don’t have to get you down. In fact, having a growth mindset, mistakes are perfect vehicles for learning. You see, the growth mindset tells you, “What can you learn from this?” instead of seeing mistakes as personal failures or proof of incompetence.
When you look at it like that, you’ll see these missteps as “failing forward.” Isn’t that a clever. Just like mistakes, constructive criticism feedback is also a great learning opportunity. I’ve always found it super helpful when someone gives me a bit of criticism. It can be tough to hear at times, but when you think about it, feedback is like a little nudge in the right direction. Now, I know it’s not always easy to take feedback with a smile, especially when you’ve put your heart and soul into something.
But for people who love learning, taking feedback well comes naturally. That’s because they see it as a peek into someone else’s thought process. And you know what, sometimes it’s really eye opening. Having different perspective, you’d be amazed at how you can get a you’d never thought of before.
If this as an area you struggle with, here are some ways to feel more comfortable with the idea of receiving constructive criticism:
- Keep an open mind. Be willing to listen.
- Don’t be defensive – remember, it’s not a personal attack.
- Ask questions if you need more clarity.
- Reflect on how you can apply the feedback to your situation.
- Thank the person who shared their insights with you.
They practice self-reflection!
Self-reflection ,if you check the list above, you’ll find that is on it. I’ve found it to be an essential part of my own learning journey. It’s not just about all these new and different experiences and information.
It’s also about thinking deeply about them and seeing how they can fuel your growth. People who love learning take the time to do this because it helps them identify areas for improvement, set new goals, and come up with new strategies to overcome challenges.
Self-reflection also helps them stay connected to their inner selves, so they can better understand their motivations and aspirations.
They’re adaptable!
The huge benefit of self-reflection and being able to take feedback? They know how to adapt. If there’s one thing lifelong learners understand, it’s that the world is constantly changing. Even the information they know changes, being flexible all about and dealing with those changes as they happen.
They’re willing to adjust their strategies and methods when they recognize that what worked yesterday may not work today, and to stay ahead of the curve.
Final Thoughts!
So, does this all sound like a lot? Having an intentional attitude takes a lot of courage to keep trying new things and discipline to have an attitude of gratitude.
But trust me, the rewards are immeasurable. Setting yourself up for lifelong learning means you’ll always be sharp and full of excitement. You’ll always be on your toes and getting better, smarter, more skilled.
Not only that, but every season of your life will feel so much richer than the one that has just gone by. People who are always learning new things tend to possess certain habits that fuel their intellectual curiosity and personal growth. They maintain a growth mindset, believing that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort.
They embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Conclusion!
Additionally, they prioritize continuous learning by allocating time for reading books, exploring various online resources, or engaging in meaningful discussions with experts in different fields. They are proactive seekers of knowledge, constantly seeking out new information and actively engaging in self-education. Moreover, they cultivate the habit of reflection, regularly pausing to evaluate their own learning process, identifying areas of growth, and setting new goals for themselves. Lastly, they are open-minded and curious, constantly questioning the world around them, and embracing diverse perspectives and ideas. These individuals understand that learning is a lifelong journey, and they actively incorporate it into their daily lives, creating a rich and fulfilling intellectual landscape.